Sunscreen isn’t just for the summer. You will need to apply it daily. Regardless of the temperature or cloud cover, you need to protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays to prevent premature aging and cancer.

At SeaMist MedSpa in South Kingstown, we understand the importance of proper skin care – and that starts with sunscreen. Even though it might be winter in Rhode Island, that doesn’t mean you should skip the SPF. To find out more about great winter skin care tips, contact SeaMist MedSpa today.

Why Sun Protection Is Important

Sunscreen blocks out harmful UV rays that could cause changes in your skin that my lead to cancer. Aside from cancer, years of sun exposure could cause the skin to look older than it is. UV damage occurs over a lifetime, but it is never too late to start protecting your skin. Whether you are 9 or 90, sunscreen is a good option to help keep you healthy and looking young.

Reflection

The snow doubles the impact of solar rays on the skin. You can get sun damage from the UV rays coming from the sky, but the bright snow also reflects the sun back up at you from the ground. The reflection rate could reach up to 80 percent. This puts you at risk of sunburn and snow blindness. Always wear protective eyewear when outside on any snowy day.

Cloudy Conditions

Even on cloudy days, 80 percent of skin-damaging UV rays can still get through and burn you, which means that you could find yourself burned even under snow-producing clouds. Sunscreen will prevent damage to your skin from UV rays coming through the clouds or reflected from the snow on any snowy day.

Elevation

The elevation makes a difference. Higher locations, such as ski slopes and mountainous regions expose you to more UV rays. This happens because the atmosphere filters out some of the UV rays from the sun. The higher you are above sea level, the more UV rays hit you because the atmosphere is much thinner. This makes sun protection when you are at higher elevations even more important.

Clothing

Clothing will likely not protect you enough from the sun. A basic white shirt only gives you a sun protection factor of seven. While you will likely not wear only a shirt in the winter, you do need to be especially careful about putting sunscreen on any exposed skin. If you want to boost your protection level, look for winter clothing that has been treated to protect you from the sun. It will have an SPF number on the label, which stands for sun protection factor.

Choosing Sunscreen

Just as you must select the best sunscreen in the summer, the same rules apply in the winter. Choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 or higher. Use lip balms with the same SPF to protect your lips. Look at the label on any bottle of sunscreen and only use those that protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

Applying Sunscreen

Plan before going outside and rub a generous amount of sunscreen onto any exposed skin 20 minutes before you leave the house. This lets the skin properly absorb it. Make a point to stop every two hours to reapply sunscreen, especially if you have been sweating while engaged in winter sports.

Even on snowy days, your skin can benefit from protection from the sun’s damaging effects. Choose and use the right sunscreens for the most effective defense from UV rays.

Many rosacea sufferers struggle with their condition during the hot summer months. But the cold and wind of the New England winter can also cause rosacea flare-ups.

At Rhode Island’s SeaMist MedSpa in South Kingstown, we offer a variety of treatments and products that can help rosacea sufferers. While there is no cure for rosacea, you can take action to reduce painful and unattractive symptoms.

The National Rosacea Society reports that the winter months carry weather conditions that can make your rosacea symptoms worse. But you can take precautions.

Society officials point out that no matter where you live, whether it be sunny southern California or the colder New England region, those who have rosacea should be aware of their condition, and take steps to manage it.

One National Rosacea Society study of rosacea sufferers and the effects of winter found that exposure to wind was the number one cause of rosacea problems of those who took part in the survey.

Nearly 90 percent of all survey respondents said wind played a part in their rosacea acting up. Cold weather impacted 72 percent of those surveyed.

Staying out of the cold and wind is a good idea to help keep rosacea in check, but even the indoors can pose threats. High indoor heat aggravated the rosacea of 63 percent of survey respondents, even in mild or moderate climates.

And as rosacea sufferers know, stress is a common trigger for their condition to worsen. While the holidays are a great time of year, it is stress-filled for many people.

In the society’s survey, 59 percent of rosacea sufferers said that holiday stress made their condition worse, no matter what climate they lived in.

Here are some tips from the society for minimizing winter’s effect on your rosacea symptoms:

Reduce the time you spend outside in cold, windy or snowy weather. Remember to wear a scarf or ski mask to keep your face protected from the winter wind.

Remember to wear layered and loose clothing. This helps protect you from cold outdoor temperatures and indoor heat.

Use sunscreen throughout the year: Exposure to the sun is the number one rosacea trigger, and it can affect your face even during the winter months, whether you are on the job or on a winter vacation.

Try to avoid holiday-related stress: It’s easier said than done, but remember to pace yourself during the hectic holiday season.

Take breaks to cool off when you are baking or cooking.

Reduce your intake of hot beverages and alcohol.

Don’t forget to take your prescribed rosacea medication.

The society’s survey found that of those people who took steps to modify their winter behaviors, 93 percent reported that this helped reduce rosacea flare-ups.

Don’t let rosacea ruin your holidays and your ability to enjoy the winter. Contact SeaMist MedSpa to learn how we can help.

Many people think that acne is a problem that only affects teenagers. However, this problem is actually quite common in adults. In fact, it is estimated that 20 percent of adults suffer from acne. Acne can be an embarrassing problem to deal with at any age. Fortunately, there are many ways that you can combat adult acne.

At SeaMist MedSpa in South Kingstown, we understand the importance of healthy, beautiful skin. We offer a variety of skin care treatments to help you stave off acne. In addition to these great services, there are ways you can combat adult acne every day.

Taking Over-The-Counter Products

There are many over-the-counter products that can be used to treat adult acne. If you choose to use over-the-counter products, then you should look for ones that have benzoyl peroxide as an active ingredient. You can also use products that have salicylic acid, sulfur and resorcinol as active ingredients. These products may cause unpleasant side effects at first, such as dryness or redness. However, many people notice improvement within one month of using this product. They help treat acne by removing excess oil from the skin.

Cleansing Your Skin

Cleansing your skin helps remove dead skin cells and oil. However, it is important to note that if you cleanse your skin too much, then this can actually irritate your skin. Make sure that you use water-based, oil-free products on your skin.

Showering after Strenuous Activities

The sweat and oil on your skin can lead to breakouts. That is why it is important to shower after exercising or engaging in any other strenuous activity. Keep in mind that exercising may help treat acne because it alleviates stress. Many people get break outs during times of stress.

Antibiotics

If you are unable to manage your acne at home, then you may want to consider talking to your dermatologist. A dermatologist can prescribe treatments that are stronger than the ones you would find over-the-counter. Antibiotics are a treatment often recommended by dermatologists. They work by destroying the excess bacteria in the skin that can lead to breakouts. These medications can also help fight inflammation.

Retinoids

Retinoids are topical medications that are available in the form of lotions, gel and creams. These medications are derived from vitamin A. Retinoids work by preventing the hair follicles from getting clogged.

Light Therapy

Light therapy is another option for people who suffer from acne. It works by killing bacteria and reducing inflammation. Even though light therapy is effective for treating acne, it can cause side effects. Temporary redness, sensitivity to sunlight and pain are some of the possible side effects of this treatment. Furthermore, more research needs to be conducted in order to find the ideal light source, dose and method.

Isotretinoin

Isotretinoin is a medication that is typically prescribed to patients who suffer from severe acne. Dermatologists will usually only recommend this treatment if the patient does not respond to any other treatment. Isotretinoin is a very strong medication. People who take this medication will have to be monitored closely because it can cause serious side effects. Some of these side effects include ulcerative colitis and depression.

To keep skin healthy and fresh-looking, it’s good to start developing good skin care habits when we are young.

But you can still create healthy skin care regimens in your 40s and 50s, when many of us begin to see the signs of aging when we look in the mirror each day.

At Rhode Island’s SeaMist MedSpa in North Kingstown, we offer a variety of skin and beauty treatments to keep you looking your best – at any age. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment.

At SeaMist MedSpa, we can help you create your own individual anti-aging skin plan. Numerous studies have shown that following healthy skin-care habits can help ward off premature skin aging.

Here are some tips:

Protect skin from harmful effects of the sun: Sun protection is key to every anti-aging, skin-care plan. Overexposure to the sun’s rays can age skin more rapidly. So much evidence exists about the sun’s ability to prematurely age skin that there is a medical term to describe it: photoaging.

Seek shady areas when in the sun: This is especially true between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., peak hours for potential sun damage.

Cover up: Wear wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeve shirts and pants whenever possible if you are out in the sun. Gloves also can help reduce the signs of aging on our hands. Wearing sunglasses can help decrease fine lines that form around the eyes because you will squint less when wearing shades.

Don’t be shy about applying sunscreen every day before you head outside. You want a sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection, meaning an SPF of at least 30. Sunscreen also should be water resistant.

Don’t do indoor tanning: Like the sun, tanning beds expose your skin to ultraviolet rays that speed up the skin’s aging process.

Use moisturizer daily: As we get older, our skin gets drier. Fine lines and wrinkles pop up. But moisturizer can trap needed H20 in the skin. This moisture promotes a younger appearance. For top results, use facial moisturizer along with body moisturizer and lip balm.

Wash your face twice per day: How you wash your face may impact your appearance. Experts recommend you wash with warm water, and with a mild cleanser. Avoid soap if you can. Also avoid scrubbing your skin too hard. This can lead to irritation that promotes aging.

Men start to notice that the signs of aging are slowly spreading across their face and start to worry. First, fine lines might appear on the forehead. They smile and notice the crinkles next to the outer corner of their eye. Others might notice that their jawline is droopy. These are gentle reminders that the face is aging. Today, a growing number of men would prefer to maintain a youthful appearance instead of aging gracefully. Fortunately, facial fillers make it possible to maintain a younger appearance without surgery.

SeaMist MedSpa – Rhode Island’s leading MedSpa located in South Kingstown – can offer facial filler treatments to help men combat the signs of aging. These cosmetic treatments are not just for women, and a growing number of men are taking advantage of these wrinkle fighters and skin tighteners. Contact SeaMist MedSpa today to schedule your appointment, and one of our medical professionals can help customize a treatment option just for you.

What are Facial Fillers?

Facial fillers and wrinkle fillers perform a very important task for men that are concerned about droopy jawlines, jowls, deep wrinkles, thinning lips, or fine lines in the face. Facial fillers are injected into the skin and add volume or plump out the skin. Thus, giving the skin a more vibrant and youthful look. In the right hands, a facial filler is able to turn back the hands of time. The fillers are preferred because they are much more affordable than drastic cosmetic surgery. In addition, fillers give the face a fresh look that is very natural. Most men notice remarkable results after the first filler injection.

Types of Facial Fillers for Men

There are two popular facial filler categories. However, Hyaluronic acid heads the list. Hyaluronic acid is in a number of anti-aging products, and it is found growing naturally in the skin. This component is responsible for plumping out the skin or smoothing out wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid is the main ingredient in anti-aging products like Juvederm, Restylane, Restylane-L, and more. Injections last for several months to a year. However, results vary greatly. Other popular fillers include synthetic fillers like Silicone and Sculptra.

Getting Started

It is highly recommended that men seeking information about facial fillers consult with a medical professional like those here at SeaMist MedSpa to arrange a consultation. We will provide information on available fillers and the perfect one for the each patient’s needs. The procedure is fairly straight forward. The filler is injected into the patient’s facial area with a fine needle. The procedure takes less than an hour to complete. Patients rarely complain about pain or feeling uncomfortable. After treatments, the patient is able to resume their normal daily activities.

Results

Most men are very satisfied with the facial filler results and their improved appearance. However, some men might experience redness, swelling, and bruising. Those side effects usually disappear after several days. For best results, continued treatments are suggested. Depending on the area being treated and the filler being used, treatment can last several weeks to several months before another injection is needed.

Thanksgiving is this week, and people are gathering together for delicious meals and quality time with friends and family.

If you are hosting or cooking on Thursday, be sure to set some ingredients and dishes aside for yourself. The site www.beautyworldnews.com provides some tips to bolster beauty after the turkey is gone.

AtRhode Island’s SeaMist MedSpa in South Kingstown, we can help you develop skin care programs and treatments all through the year. Contact SeaMist today to learn more, or to set up an appointment during the upcoming holiday season.

Here are some traditional Thanksgiving foods items you may want to hold onto after the holiday is over:

Cranberries: These tasty mainstays have Omega 3, 6, and 9, not to mention vitamin E. These provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Oils protect skin and help combat acne, eczema and psoriasis. In addition, you can mix fresh cranberries and brown sugar to come up with a body scrub to make skin glow and leave it smooth.

Butternut Squash: This holiday favorite also helps skin look great. Cook some squash to create a facial you can use with honey for great exfoliation. Some other facial recipes: Add an egg yolk to hold your facial mask together. This helps bring oil from the skin. Butternut squash is full of vitamins and minerals that help promote skin elasticity and clarity.

Sweet Potatoes: These Turkey Day favorites can make fantastic face masks. The potatoes’ potency can boost collagen production and make them a great addition to at-home beauty treatments. Boil sweet potato for approximately 20 minutes. Mash it with a fork. Mix in plain yogurt. This mixture should keep your face feeling smooth and appear glowing.

Greens: Before you veto plans to prepare green bean casserole for Thanksgiving, keep in mind the beauty benefits these vegetables provide. In addition, broccoli and carrots contain Vitamin C, which helps ward off wrinkles. Beets also are a great source of vitamins to help clear skin, and they are a source of antioxidants. If you prefer kale, it also can act as an anti-inflammatory to prevent redness, as well as flaky and dry skin.

Pumpkin: Halloween may be done for the year, but pumpkins still provide fine material for facials. They also can be used for perfume. Pumpkins contain vitamins A, C, E and K. They also contain zinc and fatty acids. Oils found in pumpkin seeds are often used in eye creams because they can reduce dark circles under the eyes by improving circulation and helping the skin retain water. Pumpkin pulp has enzymes that are great for removing flaky skin, and for fighting acne.

So if you or someone you know is playing host or cooking this Thanksgiving, keep these tips in mind. They can help your skin look great as we enter December and the remainder of the holiday season!

For more information on beauty treatments or to make an appointment, contact SeaMist to prepare for Thanksgiving and the holidays that follow.

While the number of ear piercings people receive each year continues to outnumber, and be less risky, than piercings elsewhere on the body, ear piercings can still lead to painful complications if they are not performed safely.

And properly taken care of afterward.

The American Academy of Dermatology suggests that anyone who is considering getting their ears pierced be sure to take proper care of their pierced skin and take steps needed to prevent infections.

AtSeaMist MedSpa in South Kingstown, we are one of Rhode Island’s top spas, with a professional and courteous staff that can help you deal with skin problems and receive other beauty treatments to keep you looking your best.

Dermatologists say it is key to remember that pierced skin is skin that has in effect been wounded. That can leave the pierced area vulnerable to potential infections.

To reduce that and other risks, the AAD recommends that those seeking piercings always use trained professionals for piercing, wear hypoallergenic earrings and make sure to keep newly pierced ears as clean as possible.

To support healing after piercing procedures, experts recommend you follow these tips:

Remember to wash your hands before you touch any newly pierced areas.

Keep earrings in your ears for at least six weeks after treatment. Even at night. Removing starter earrings too soon can cause piercings to close.

Wash your ears on a regular basis with soap and water: Do this a minimum of once per day to avoid infection.

Twist earrings several times per day: This helps keep the pierced holes open.

Use rubbing alcohol on your ears. Use a cotton pad or cotton ball that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol. Clean the skin around the piercings, gently, twice per day to prevent germs and scabbing. You also can use a thin coat of petroleum jelly in the area around the opening.

After you have your ears pierced, keep tabs on how they look and feel. If they become extremely red, tender, or if the holes produce a yellowish liquid, visit your dermatologist as soon as possible. You might have an infection.

Some people may not be the best candidates for pierced ears. These include people with a personal or family history of developing keloids after injuring their skin.
The American Academy of Dermatology dates to 1938 and now has more than 17,000 members.

At SeaMist MedSpa, we can treat a number of painful and unattractive skin conditions.

Our medical team is led by our board certified dermatologist, Dr. Colavecchio, who serves as the medical director at SeaMist MedSpa. Doctor Colavecchio graduated from Brown University in Providence and has had a successful medical practice for more than three decades.

Chemical peels are a type of exfoliation that is used to treat hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and other skin conditions. The peels use an acidic chemical that removes old skin cells to reveal newer, healthier skin.

At SeaMist MedSpa in South Kingstown, we offer one-on-one consultations, so we can help select the best skin care regimen that’s designed just for you. Our chemical peels will have you looking and feeling better about your skin before you know it.

This skincare treatment is available in many concentrations. The results of a chemical peel are affected by the strength of the concentration. Chemical peel treatments are highly popular because of their benefits. Here is a list of six benefits you can get from receiving a chemical peel.

Acne Management

A chemical peel can help those who are dealing with acne. The acids used for the peel exfoliate the skin’s top layer. The exfoliation of the skin causes the skin’s cells to produce rapidly. The rapid reproduction of cells causes the skin to renew itself faster and helps to keep the pores from getting clogged.

Even Skin Tone

Many people complain about having a blotchy complexion. Blotches can make the skin look dull and uneven. Unfortunately, many of these types of skin ailments do not clear up on their own. A chemical peel is able to reach deep enough into the skin’s layers to remove the darker places in the skin, resulting in an even skin tone.

Younger Looking Skin

Dead skin cells can create a dull appearance that makes the skin look older. By removing the dead skin cells on a regular basis, the skin looks refreshed. After the procedure, the skin is left looking younger and smoother.

Removes Damage Caused by Sun Exposure

The sun is one of the leading causes of wrinkles and fine lines. However, there are a lot of people that enjoy sunbathing, causing damage to their skin. Chemical peels help to reverse the damage by removing the damaged layer of skin.

Increases Collagen Production

Chemical peels also help to increase the body’s production of collagen. Aging and exposure to ultra violet rays can damage collagen. Collagen is what keeps the skin firm and stretchable. When collagen breaks down, the skin is more susceptible to wrinkles and begins to lose its elasticity.

Removes Age Spots

Genetics, aging and sun exposure are the causes of age spots. Age spots are black and brown patches that appear on parts of the skin. While they do not pose any health risks, they are not aesthetically pleasing. Chemical peels can lessen the pigmentation of the spots to give the skin a more even look.

Chemical peels are a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that improves the look of skin. Because it requires very little recovery time and delivers results, this treatment is very popular. Chemical peels have many benefits that help to improve the skin’s appearance. Contact SeaMist MedSpa today to schedule your consultation, and to find out if a chemical peel is right for you.

The American Academy of Dermatology warns that following the same skin care routine all year could harm your skin when humidity decreases and cold air sets in.

Wind and cold, dry air can lead to facial wrinkles and fine lines. Dry skin can cause uncomfortable physical problems – itching, cracking and flaking. In some more serious cases, dry skin can cause bleeding.

To help combat dry skin during the autumn and winter, the academy recommends some steps you can take:

If you suffer from dry skin, close the bathroom door when you shower or bathe, and limit your time to five or 10 minutes. Warm water is less detrimental than hot, as hot water can dry out your skin. Use a mild cleanser that is fragrance-free. Use enough cleanser to remove oil and dirt, but don’t use so much that it causes a thick lather to appear. Don’t rub, but blot skin with a towel as a gentler method for drying, then apply moisturizer right away.

Use moisturizer when you are done washing. Creams, ointments and lotions trap moisture insideskin. To ensure the trap works, apply moisturizer soon after you dry off from your shower or bath!

Washing face or hands: Apply creams or ointments instead of lotions. These are more effective on dry skin and won’t irritate skin as much as lotion. Use creams and ointments containing olive oil or jojoba oil. Shea butter also works well. Look for creams containing lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, lanolin and mineral oil, as these are best at fighting dry skin. Use a non-greasy hand cream after washing your hands – keeping a small bottle in your purse or bag is recommended for easy access.

The balm: Select lip balm that feels hydrating to your lips. Some balm products can irritate your lips, so avoid products that tingle or sting after application.

Only apply gentle and fragrance-free skin care products. Scented products can be too harsh and irritate sensitive, dry skin. Avoid deodorant soaps or products with retinoids, fragrance, alcohol or alpha-hydroxy acid, which is known as AHA.

Wear gloves: Hands can be the first place where dry skin is noticed – by you and others. Wear gloves if you go outside in cold weather.

Pick detergents and fabrics that won’t irritate your skin. If skin is raw and dry, clothes and certain laundry products can worsen the condition. Consider wearing silk or cotton underneath clothes made of wool or any rough material. Choose laundry detergents labeled hypoallergenic.

Stay warm, but avoid sitting too close to the fireplace and other heat sources. Sitting near an open flame can make dry out your skin.

While certain foods promote healthy and young-looking skin, other foods can lead to premature skin aging and other skin problems.

With autumn parties and tailgating, there are ample opportunities to eat foods that are not in your – or your skin’s – best interests.

When you are outside in the summer, it’s important to protect your skin from the sun to prevent skin cancer and other skin problems. But it’s also important to be aware that what you eat can affect your skin – positively and negatively – throughout the year.

While most of us like to enjoy good hamburgers, desserts and other foods, there are methods to ensure your diet is not harming your skin.

The Mayo Clinic notes that foods that are rich in antioxidants help protect your skin.

Antioxidants, which can be manufactured or occur naturally, are substances that can combat skin cell damage. Antioxidants can be found in myriad foods, with fruits and vegetables the most available resource.

Antioxidants are also found in dietary supplements.

The Mayo Clinic offers suggestions regarding foods that are good for your skin – and are refreshing and delicious.

Here are some foods you may want to turn to:

Orange and yellow fruits and vegetables. Apricots and carrots are great snack foods and good for your skin.

Spinach and leafy, green vegetables that can be found in most salads

Tomatoes

Blueberries

Peas, beans and lentils

Fish – Salmon and mackerel are recommended

While there are numerous skin-friendly foods you can choose from, there are some foods you are better off avoiding if you are concerned about keeping your skin healthy and glowing.

The Mayo Clinic notes that skin damage is often an unwanted byproduct of consuming some foods. Officials there suggest you try to avoid a diet heavy on processed and refined carbs, not to mention unhealthy fats.

All of these can lead to aging skin.

Foods found at most barbecues are often bad for your skin, but moderation is key to any diet. So while you don’t have to skip that hot dog or hamburger, it’s better for your skin if you cut back on these foods – and try to avoid getting seconds.

Some meats prepared at high temperatures produce compounds that can make skin look old before its time. French fries, fried chicken and potato chips should be avoided. If you want to eat those foods, do so less often, or eat them in smaller portions.

So enjoy the fall and the delicious foods the season brings, but remember some food favorites may lead to skin problems.